Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 pound mushrooms (cremini or button), finely chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup walnuts, finely chopped or ground
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Mushrooms: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped mushrooms and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’ve released their moisture and start to brown.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional 5 minutes, or until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant. Stir in the soy sauce, smoked paprika, thyme, and black pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Blend the Mixture: Transfer the mushroom mixture to a food processor. Add oats, walnuts, breadcrumbs, and parsley. Pulse until the mixture is well-combined but still has a little texture. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
- Form the Meatballs: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the Meatballs: Brush the meatballs with the remaining olive oil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and firm to the touch. Halfway through baking, flip them to ensure even cooking.
- Serve: These mushroom meatballs can be enjoyed immediately with marinara sauce over pasta, as a meatball sub, or with a dipping sauce of your choice.
Tips
- Oats Texture: For a finer texture, blend the oats into a flour before adding them to the food processor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari instead of soy sauce if needed.
- Storage: Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Enjoy these hearty, flavorful vegan mushroom meatballs as a satisfying plant-based alternative!